Taliban Minister Muttaqi’s 8-Day India Visit: Decoding Afghanistan’s Agenda | Exclusive

Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India marks the first political-level contact between the two sides under Taliban rule. (AFP)

Afghanistan’s Acting Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India is to reinforce Afghanistan-India relations, address pressing trade and infrastructure concerns, and discuss regional security dynamics. India will host Muttaqi from October 9 to 16.

Mutaqqi will be meeting his counterpart and possibly NSA Ajit Doval, said sources. Muttaqi is also scheduled to undergo a medical check-up during his stay in India.

“The visit is the outcome and a signal of cautious resetting in ties,” they said.

“Afghan sources says that the visit itself marks a major diplomatic outcome. Indian side will definitely want to engage Taliban on counter terroism front and Taliban cooperation is must. This reflects a reset in strained bilateral relations and a willingness to reopen channels,” they said.

Talks between the two countries will be focused on expanding bilateral trade, with emphasis on easing transport barriers. The idea will also be to open new trade corridors, and boost cross-border commerce in food, textiles, and essential goods.

Discussions will include the possible upgradation of the embassy. Possibly both sides will post a full-fledged ambassador, and broader consular presence. This will be a key change of restoring normal state-to-state engagement. Expansion of visa quotas is also on the table, especially for businesspersons, medical travelers, and families.

“The Indian side has always aimed for people-to-people contacts. Both sides will discuss to increase scholarships for Afghan students, for higher studies in professional and technical fields, they said.

Afghanistan wants expanded cooperation in medical facilities, health missions, and development projects, including water, infrastructure, and electricity initiatives. Mutaqqi will also be aiming to talk on broader conversations which will touch on regional security, counter-terrorism

THE AGENDA

The key discussion areas would be to strengthen bilateral relations, enhance economic and political cooperation, increase Indian diplomatic staff in Kabul, accept additional Afghan diplomats in India.

The discussions would also include the Chabahar port sanctions issue as the U.S. has recently withdrawn the waiver on Chabahar Port. Afghanistan views this as a threat to its trade interests.

Afghanistan will seek India’s role in convincing Washington to exempt this corridor from sanctions again.

In case of trade and economic cooperation, the focus will be on expanding bilateral trade opportunities, exploring mechanisms for smoother transit and customs procedures.

In case of infrastructure and development projects, the visit would look at reviewing incomplete Indian-funded projects in Afghanistan, discussing potential new projects to support Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development.

In case of regional and security concerns, the aim would be to assess the implications of closer Pakistan-U.S. ties and share views on security challenges in the region.